Systems and methods for generating stereoscopic, augmented, and virtual reality images

ABSTRACT

A ride system includes eyewear configured to be worn by a user. The eyewear includes a display having a stereoscopic feature configured to permit viewing of externally projected stereoscopically displayed images. The ride system includes a computer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to the eyewear, and configured to generate streaming media of a real world environment based on image data captured via the camera of the eyewear, generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment, and to transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed on the display of the eyewear, and project stereoscopic images into the real world environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/332,299, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATINGSTEREOSCOPIC, AUGMENTED, AND VIRTUAL REALITY IMAGES” and filed May 5,2016, and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/586,956, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING STEREOSCOPIC,AUGMENTED, AND VIRTUAL REALITY IMAGES” and filed May 4, 2017, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to amusement parkattractions, and more specifically, to providing enhanced thrill factorsand components of interest in amusement park attractions.

Amusement parks and/or theme parks may include various entertainmentattractions, restaurants, and rides useful in providing enjoyment topatrons (e.g., families and/or people of all ages) of the amusementpark. For example, the attractions may include traditional rides forkids such as carousels, as well as traditional rides for thrill seekerssuch as rollercoasters. It is now recognized that adding components ofinterest and thrill factors to such attractions can be difficult andlimiting. Traditionally, for example, outside of providing anincreasingly complex system of steep, twisting, and windingrollercoaster tracks, the thrill factor of such rollercoasters and/orother similar thrill rides may be limited to the existing course orphysical nature of the thrill ride itself. It is now recognized that itis desirable to include components of interest and thrill factors insuch attractions in a flexible and efficient manner relative totraditional techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the present disclosureare summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure, but rather these embodiments are intended onlyto provide a brief summary of possible forms of present embodiments.Indeed, present embodiments may encompass a variety of forms that may besimilar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

In one embodiment, a ride system includes eyewear configured to be wornby the user, wherein the eyewear comprises a display having astereoscopic feature configured to permit viewing of externallygenerated stereoscopically displayed images. The ride system includes acomputer graphics generation system communicatively coupled to theeyewear, and configured to generate streaming media of a real worldenvironment based on image data captured via the camera of the eyewear,generate one or more virtual augmentations superimposed on the streamingmedia of the real world environment, transmit the streaming media of thereal world environment along with the one or more superimposed virtualaugmentations to be displayed on the display of the eyewear, and projectstereoscopic images into the real world environment.

In a second embodiment, a wearable electronic device includes a framecomprising a frame front; a left eye display lens and a right eyedisplay lens coupled to the frame front; a first filter on the left eyedisplay lens; a second filter on the right eye display lens, wherein thefirst filter is different than the second filter; and processingcircuitry configured to: receive a signal from the computer graphicsgeneration system, wherein the signal comprises a video stream of avirtualization of a real world environment along with at least oneaugmented reality (AR) image or at least one virtual reality (VR) imageincluded in the video stream; and cause the left eye display and theright eye display to display the video stream.

In a third embodiment, a method includes receiving or accessingenvironmental image data via a computer graphics generation system,generating a virtualization of a real world environment of the amusementpark based on the environmental image data; overlaying an augmentedreality (AR) image or a virtual reality (VR) image onto thevirtualization of the real world environment; transmitting the overlaidAR image or the VR image along with the virtualization of the real worldenvironment to the eyewear during the cycle of the amusement park ride;transmitting a signal to the eyewear to permit viewing through displaysof the eyewear; projecting stereoscopic images onto a surface of thereal-world environment after transmitting the signal; and causing thestereoscopic images to be reflected through filters in the eyewear intoa left and right eye of a user to generate an illusion of a 3D image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an amusement park including one ormore attractions in accordance with the present embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an embodiment of stereoscopic augmentedreality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) eyewear and a computer graphicsgeneration system in accordance with present embodiments;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an embodiment of stereoscopic augmentedreality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) eyewear;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a thrill ride of FIG. 1 includingvarious AR and VR images provided by way of the stereoscopic AR/VReyewear of FIG. 2, in accordance with present embodiments; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process useful increating stereoscopic images within an AR experience, a VR experience,or a mixed reality experience during a ride by using the computergraphics generation system of FIG. 2, in accordance with presentembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

Present embodiments relate to systems and methods of providing astereoscopic mixed or augmented reality (AR) experience, a virtualreality (VR) experience, or a combination thereof, as part of anattraction, such as a thrill ride, in an amusement park or theme park.In certain embodiments, each ride passenger (e.g., first passenger,second passenger, etc.) may be provided eyewear, such as a pair ofelectronic goggles or eyeglasses to be worn during a cycle of the thrillride. The eyewear may facilitate an AR experience, a VR experience, or acombination of both experiences. Thus, the eyewear may be referred to asstereoscopic eyewear or stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear. The stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear provides the capability of viewing stereoscopic images,which generate the illusion of 3D images. In addition, the stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear is configured for displaying augmented or virtual realityimages overlaid on an image of the user's real-world environment, whichgenerates the illusion that the overlaid image is part of the real worldenvironment. Accordingly, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear is implementedwith display lenses that are capable of displaying the overlaid AR/VRimages transmitted from a central controller as well as being capable ofpermitting the user to view the real-world environment, including anystereoscopically displayed images. For example, the display lenses maybe implemented with a polarizing layer, active shutters, color shiftingcapability, or other technology that permits stereoscopic viewing andthat is compatible with the AR/VR capability of the eyewear. In thismanner, a single eyewear device may be used within an environment torender a variety of different types of visual experiences. At the baselevel, the eyewear may also permit unaided, non-stereoscopic, orunaugmented viewing in certain instances, e.g., at the start of a themepark ride to permit the users to acclimatize themselves to theenvironment.

The stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear is capable of acting as a display forimages that are created to reflect the real-world environment withaugmented images. In such embodiments, the users view a displayed imagethat is displayed on the lenses of the eyewear in a manner that createthe illusion that the augmented image is the real-world environmentviewed in real time. The images of the real-world environment may berecorded ahead of time, e.g., may be stored in a memory of the system,or, in certain embodiments, may be collected in real-time by a user.Specifically, in one embodiment, the eyewear includes at least twocameras, which may respectively correspond to the respective points ofview (e.g., right and left eye views) of the ride passengers, and may beused to capture real-time video data (e.g., video captured during liveuse and transmitted in substantially real-time) of the real-worldenvironment (e.g., aspects of the physical amusement park) of the ridepassengers and/or the thrill ride. The eyewear may also include adisplay. For example, the eyewear may include at least two displaysrespectively corresponding to each eye of a ride passenger using theeyewear.

In certain embodiments, a computer graphics generation system may alsobe provided. The computer graphics generation system may receive thereal-time video data (e.g., live video that is transmitted insubstantially real-time) from the eyewear, and may render a video streamof the real-world environment along with various AR, VR, or combined ARand VR (AR/VR) graphical images to the respective displays of therespective eyewear of the ride passengers during a cycle of the ride.For example, in one embodiment, the computer graphics generation systemmay render the AR/VR graphical images to the eyewear based on, forexample, the position or location of a ride passenger vehicle along thetracks of a rollercoaster during a cycle of a thrill ride, apredetermined distance traveled by the passenger ride vehicle during acycle of the thrill ride, or after a predetermined lapse of time in thecycle of the thrill ride. In this way, by using the eyewear and thegraphics generation system to create an AR experience, a VR experience,or mixed reality experience, the eyewear and the computer graphicsgeneration system may enhance the thrill factor of the thrill ride, and,by extension, may enhance the experience of the ride passengers as theyride the thrill ride. However, it should be appreciated that thetechniques described herein may not be limited to thrill rides and/oramusement park attraction applications, but may also be extended to anyof various applications such as, for example, medical applications(e.g., image-guided surgery, noninvasive imaging analysis), engineeringdesign applications (e.g., engineering model development),manufacturing, construction, and maintenance applications (e.g.,products manufacturing, new building construction, automobile repairs),academic and/or vocational training applications, exercise applications(e.g., bodybuilding and weight loss models), television (TV)applications (e.g., weather and news), and the like.

With the foregoing mind, it may be useful to describe an embodiment ofan amusement park, such as an example amusement park 10 as depicted inFIG. 1. As illustrated, the amusement park 10 may include a thrill ride12, a mall of amusement park facilities 14 (e.g., restaurants, souvenirshops, and so forth), and additional amusement attractions 16 (e.g.,Ferris Wheel, dark ride, or other attraction). In certain embodiments,the thrill ride 12 may include a rollercoaster or other similar thrillride, and may thus further include a closed-loop track or a system ofclosed-loop tracks 18 (e.g., miles of tracks 18). The tracks 18 may beprovided as an infrastructure on which a passenger ride vehicle 20 maytraverse, for example, as ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 ride the thrillride 12. The tracks 18 may thus define the motion of the ride vehicle20. However, in another embodiment, for example, the tracks 18 may bereplaced by a controlled path, in which the movement of the ride vehicle20 may be controlled via an electronic system, a magnetic system, orother similar system infrastructure other than the tracks 18. It shouldbe appreciated that while the passenger ride vehicle 20 may beillustrated as a 4-passenger vehicle, in other embodiments, thepassenger ride vehicle 20 may include any number of passenger spaces(e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 20, or more spaces) to accommodate a single ormultiple groups of ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. It should beunderstood that, while the thrill ride 12 is described in the context ofthe ride vehicle 20, other embodiments are contemplated (e.g., a seatedtheater environment, a walking or free movement arena environment, etc.)and may be used in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments.

As the passenger ride vehicle 20 traverses the tracks 18, the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28 may be provided a moving tour of the scenery(e.g., facilities 14, additional amusement attractions 16, and so forth)in an area around or nearby the thrill ride 12. For example, this mayinclude the environment surrounding the thrill ride 12 (e.g., a buildingthat fully or partially houses the thrill ride 12). While the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28 may find the thrill ride 12 to be a veryenjoyable experience, in certain embodiments, it may be useful toenhance the experience of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 as the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28 ride the thrill ride 12 by enhancing, forexample, the thrill factor of the thrill ride 12. Specifically, insteadof having a physical view of only the facilities 14 (e.g., restaurants,souvenir shops, and so forth), additional amusement attractions 16(e.g., Ferris Wheel or other attractions), or other patrons orpedestrians within the amusement park 10, it may be useful to providethe ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 with a augmented reality (AR)experience or a virtual reality (VR) experience as the ride vehicle 20traverses the tracks 18.

For example, turning now to FIG. 2, each of the ride passengers 22, 24,26, 28 may be provided a pair of stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34, whichmay, in certain embodiments, include eyeglasses. In other embodiments,the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may be included as part of a helmet, avisor, a headband, a pair of blinders, one or more eyepatches, and/orother headwear or eyewear that may be worn by each of the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28. As depicted, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34 may be communicatively coupled to a computer graphics generationsystem 32 (e.g., within the amusement park 10) via a wireless network 48(e.g., wireless local area networks [WLAN], wireless wide area networks[WWAN], near field communication [NFC]). The stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34 may be used to create surreal environment 30, which may include an ARexperience, a VR experience, a mixed reality experience, a combinationof AR and VR experience, a computer-mediated reality experience, acombination thereof, or other similar surreal environment for the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28 as the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 ride thethrill ride 12. Specifically, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may beworn by the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 throughout the duration ofthe ride, such that ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 may feel completelyencompassed by the environment 30 and may perceive the environment 30 tobe a real-world physical environment. Specifically, as will be furtherappreciated, the environment 30 may be a real-time video includingreal-world images 44 that the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 would see,even when not wearing the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 electronicallymerged with one or more AR or VR images 45 (e.g., virtualaugmentations). The term “real-time” indicates that the images areobtained and/or provided in a timeframe substantially close to the timeof actual observation. In alternative embodiments, the obtained imagesmay be historical images of the environment.

In certain embodiments, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may be any ofvarious wearable electronic devices that may be useful in creating an ARexperience, a VR, and/or other computed-mediated experience to enhancethe thrill factor of the thrill ride 12, and, by extension, theexperience of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 while on the thrillride 12. It should be appreciated that the eyeglasses embodiment of thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 as discussed herein may be distinct from,and may provide many advantages over traditional devices such ashead-mounted displays (HMDs) and/or heads-up displays (HUDs). Forexample, as will be further appreciated, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34 may include a number of orientation and position sensors (e.g.,accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, Global Positioning System[GPS] receivers) that may be used to track the position, orientation,and motion of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 during a cycle of thethrill ride 12.

Similarly, features of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 (e.g.,geometric aspects or markings) may be monitored by a monitoring system(e.g., one or more cameras) to determine position, location,orientation, and so forth of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 and, inturn, that of the wearer. Still, the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 maybe monitored by a monitoring system 33 (e.g., a camera), which may becommunicatively coupled to the computer graphics generation system 32and used to identify position, location, orientation, and so forth ofthe ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. The ride vehicle 20 may also includeone or more sensors (e.g., weight sensors, mass sensors, motion sensors,ultrasonic sensors) that may be useful in monitoring the respective ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28 for the graphics generation system 32 todetermine the point of view of the respective ride passengers 22, 24,26, 28. Moreover, as will be further appreciated, because thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may include individual cameras (e.g.,cameras 40 and 42) and individual displays (e.g., displays 37 and 38),data with respect to the respective points of view of each eye of theride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 may be captured by stereoscopic AR/VReyewear 34. All of these advantages may be unavailable using devicessuch as traditional HMDs and/or HUDs.

In certain embodiments, to support the creation of the environment 30,the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may include processing circuitry, suchas a processor 35 and a memory 36. The processor 35 may be operativelycoupled to the memory 36 to execute instructions for carrying out thepresently disclosed techniques of generating real-world images 44 mergedwith one or more AR/VR images 45 to enhance the thrill factor of thethrill ride 12, and, by extension, the experience of the ride passengers22, 24, 26, 28 while on the thrill ride 12. These instructions may beencoded in programs or code stored in a tangible non-transitorycomputer-readable medium, such as the memory 36 and/or other storage.The processor 35 may be a general-purpose processor, system-on-chip(SoC) device, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or someother similar processor configuration. In alternative embodiments, theprocessor 35 and the memory 36 may be provided as an auxiliary packcarried by the user (e.g., clipped at the waited or carried in apocket), either wired to or in wireless communication with thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34. In other embodiments, the stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear 34 communicates wirelessly with the computer graphicsgeneration system 32 and does not perform on-board image processing.

In certain embodiments, as further illustrated, the stereoscopic AR/VReyewear 34 may also include the pair of displays 37 and 38 (e.g., whichmay be provided in the frame front 39 of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34 where eyeglass lenses would otherwise appear) respectivelycorresponding to each eye of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. Inother embodiments, a unified display may be employed. The respectivedisplays 37 and 38 may each include a display that covers at least partor only some of the viewing surface. The displays 37, 38 may be anopaque liquid crystal display (LCD), an opaque organic light emittingdiode (OLED) display, or other similar display useful in displaying thereal-world images 44 and the AR/VR graphical images 45 to the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28. In another embodiment, the respectivedisplays 37 and 38 may each include a see-through LCD or a see-throughOLED display useful in allowing, for example, the ride passengers 22,24, 26, 28 to view the real-world images 44 and the AR/VR graphicalimages 45 appearing on the respective displays 37 and 38 whilepreserving the ability to see through the respective displays 37 and 38to the actual and physical real world environment (e.g., the amusementpark 10). In yet another embodiment, the displays 37 and 38 permitviewing of stereoscopic images 43. The displays 37, 38 may also includelight field displays. In certain embodiments, the displays 37, 38 maytoggle between opaque and transparent configurations, depending on thedesired visual environment.

The cameras 40 and 42 may respectively correspond to the respectivepoints of view of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28, and may be used tocapture real-time video data (e.g., live video) of the real-worldenvironment. In some embodiments, a single camera may be employed.Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the cameras 40, 42 of thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may be used to capture real-time images ofthe real-world physical environment (e.g., the physical amusement park10) perceived by the respective ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 from thepoint of view of the respective ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. As willbe further appreciated, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may thentransmit (e.g. wirelessly via one or more communications interfacesincluded in the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34) real-time video datacaptured via the respective cameras 40 and 42 to a computer graphicsgeneration system 32 for processing. However, in other embodiments, thereal-time video data captured via the respective cameras 40 and 42 maybe processed on the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 via the processor 35.Additionally, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may also transmitorientation data, position data, point of view data (e.g., focal length,orientation, pose, and so forth), motion tracking data, and so forthobtained and/or derived based on data obtained via orientation andposition sensors (e.g., accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes,Global Positioning System [GPS] receivers, and so forth) motion trackingsensors (e.g., electromagnetic and solid-state motion tracking sensors),and so forth, that may be included in the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.Further, in embodiments in which the real-world image data of theenvironment (e.g., the ride 12) is previously acquired and accessed, thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear may be implemented without the cameras 40 and42.

In certain embodiments, as previously noted, the computer graphicsgeneration system 32, which may also includes processing circuitry, suchas a processor 46 (e.g., general purpose processor or other processor)and a memory 47, may process the real-time video data (e.g., live video)and orientation and position data and/or point of view data receivedfrom the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 or the monitoring system 33.Specifically, the computer graphics generation system 32 may use thisdata to generate a frame of reference to register the real-time videodata with the generated real-world images 44 and the AR/VR graphicalimages 45. Specifically, using the frame of reference generated based onthe orientation data, position data, point of view data, motion trackingdata, and so forth, the graphics generation system 32 may then render aview of the real-world images 44 that is temporally and spatiallycommensurate with what the respective ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28would perceive if not wearing the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34. Thegraphics generation system 32 may constantly update (e.g., in real-time)the rendering of the real-world images to reflect change in respectiveorientation, position, and/or motion of the respective the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28.

For example, in certain embodiments, the graphics generation system 32may render images (e.g., real world images 44 and AR/VR images 45) at areal-time rate greater than or equal to approximately 20 frames persecond (FPS), greater than or equal to approximately 30 FPS, greaterthan or equal to approximately 40 FPS, greater than or equal toapproximately 50 FPS, greater than or equal to approximately 60 FPS,greater than or equal to approximately 90 FPS, or greater than or equalto approximately 120 FPS. Furthermore, the graphics generation system 32may generate the real-world images 44 for each of the respectivestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 worn by the respective ride passengers 22,24, 26, 28 (e.g., adjusted for the respective orientation, position, andpoint of view of the respective ride passengers 22, 24, 26, and 28).

In certain embodiments, as previously discussed, the computer graphicsgeneration system 32 may also generate and render one or more AR/VRgraphical images 45 superimposed on the real-world images 44 to create acomplete AR experience, VR experience, mixed reality, and/or othercomputer-mediated experience for the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the computer graphics generation system32 may utilize one or more of the discussed video merging and/or opticalmerging techniques to superimpose the AR/VR graphical images 45 onto thereal-world images 44, such that the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28perceive the real-world physical environment of the amusement park 10(e.g., provided as rendered video data via the respective displays 37and 38) along with an AR/VR graphical image 45 (e.g., virtualaugmentations) as the passenger ride vehicle 20 traverses the tracks 18.Specifically, as discussed above with respect to the rendering of thereal-world images 44, the graphics generation system 32 may render aview of the AR/VR graphical images 45 that is temporally and spatiallycommensurate with the real-world images 44, such that the real-worldimages 44 may appear as a background overlaid with the AR/VR graphicalimages 45. Indeed, a model may provide computer generated images for anyavailable viewpoint and specific images may be provided to thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 for display based on a detectedorientation of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.

In certain embodiments, the graphics generation system 32 may alsogenerate one or more brightness, lighting, or shading models, and/orother photorealistic rendering models to generate the real-world images44 and the AR/VR graphical images 45 adjusted to accurately reflectcontrast and brightness of the real-world physical environment (e.g.,sunny day, partly cloudy day, cloudy day, evening, night) in renderingthe real-world images 44 and the AR/VR graphical images 45. For example,to increase the photorealism of the real-world images 44 and the AR/VRgraphical images 45, the graphics generation system 32 may, in someembodiments, receive weather related data from one or more weatherforecast and/or prediction systems (e.g., Global Forecast System,Doppler radars, and so forth). The graphics generation system 32 maythen use the weather related data or other similar data to adjust thecontrast, brightness, and/or other lighting effects of the real-worldimages 44 and/or the AR/VR graphical images 45.

In other embodiments, the graphics generation system 32 may adjust thecontrast, brightness, and/or other lighting effects of the real-worldimages 44 and/or the AR/VR graphical images 45 based on lightingdetected from one or more light sensors included in the stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear 34 or based on the real-time video data captured by thecameras 40, 42. Furthermore, as previously noted, the graphicsgeneration system 32 may constantly update (e.g., in real-time) therendering of the AR/VR graphical images 45 to reflect change inrespective orientations, positions, points of view, and/or motion of therespective ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. For example, as will befurther appreciated with respect to FIG. 3, the graphics generationsystem 32 may render the AR/VR graphical images 45 on the respectivedisplays 37 and 38 of each of the respective stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34 worn by the respective the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 adjustedfor the variable respective positions, points of view, and motions ofthe respective the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, and 28.

As will be further appreciated, the graphics generation system 32 mayalso generate the AR/VR graphical images 45 at a time in which thepassenger ride vehicle 20 crosses at a predetermined point along thetracks 18. Thus, in certain embodiments, the graphics generation system32 may use the received position data, point of view data, motion dataalong with GPS data or geographical informational systems (GIS) data toderive an illumination map of, for example, the thrill ride 12 andtracks 18, as well as the immediate environment surrounding the thrillride 12 for the entire cycle of the thrill ride 12. The graphicsgeneration system 32 may then use the map to introduce the AR/VRgraphical images 45 at certain predetermined points (e.g., points basedon location, distance, or time) as the passenger ride vehicle 24traverses the tracks 18. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the videoor image data captured via the cameras 40, 42 may be used by thegraphics generation system 32 to determine the points of location of theride vehicle 20 and when to introduce the AR/VR graphical images 45. Forexample, the graphics generation system 32 may perform one or moregeometric recognition algorithms (e.g., shape or object recognition) orphotometric recognition algorithms (e.g., face recognition or specificobject recognition) to determine the position or location of the ridevehicle 20 as well as the viewing position of the ride passengers 22,24, 26, 28.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 showingan embodiment in which the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 includesfeatures that also permit viewing of externally projected stereoscopicimages. For example, the displays 37 and 38 may include a polarizationfeature such as a polarized coating or layer to permit the user toresolve stereoscopically projected images as being in 3D. Thepolarization feature may be coated on an outer surface 57 of the display37 and an outer surface of the display 38. Alternatively, thepolarization feature may be formed within, embedded in, or formed on anopposing surface of the displays 37 and 38. The polarization feature onthe right eye display 37 has different polarization characteristics thanthe polarization feature on the left eye display 38 to permit eachrespective display 37 and 38 to act as a filtered lens that only permitspolarized light having the appropriate characteristics to pass through.In this manner, two images projected superimposed onto a screen mayviewed stereoscopically. In certain embodiments, the polarizationfeature in the respective displays may be linear polarization filtersorthogonally oriented relative to one another. In another embodiment,the polarization filters of the displays 37 and 38 may be circularpolarization filters of opposite handedness relative to one another. Inanother embodiment, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 has color-shiftingfilters, such that the respective displays 37 and 38 include colorfilters that filter different wavelengths relative to one another. In aspecific embodiment, the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may beimplemented with Inficolor 3D technology or with Infitec® 3D technology(Infitec GmbH, Baden Wuerttemberg, Germany).

Other implementations are also contemplated. For example, thespectroscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 may have active stereoscopiccapabilities, such as active shutters that cycle each display 37 and 38on and off alternately. It is contemplated that changing the shutterrates may be used to provide individualized content between differentusers. For example, a first user and a second user, both with respectiveeyewear 34, may have different assembled content if their activeshutters are controlled at different rates. The control may be based onsignals received from the system 32, including signals embedded withinthe displayed frames. In other embodiments, the shutter control may bepreset on the device. Active stereoscopic implementations may beadvantageous in darker rides, because the lack of color or polarizingfilters may permit more light to pass through the displays 37 and 38when they are acting as lenses for stereoscopic viewing. It should alsobe understood that when the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 is being usedin the AR/VR mode, the displays 37 and 38 may be used to generate aninternal 3D or stereoscopic image. That is, in certain embodiments, theuser views a transmitted image or a video stream that may be implementedstereoscopically. For example, the left eye display 38 may display aseparate video channel than the right eye display 37. Based on theperspective differences or slight differences in the displayed images orvideo stream between the left eye/righteye view, similar to thosegenerated on projected stereoscopic images, a 3D illusion may beinternally generated in the displayed content.

FIG. 4 illustrates various examples of AR/VR images 45 that may begenerated by the graphics generation system 32, or in other embodiments,that may be generated via the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, during a cycle of the thrillride 12, the graphics generation system 32 may render stereoscopicimages 43, the real-world images 44, as well as various AR/VR graphicalimages 45 through the respective stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 (e.g.,via the respective displays 37 and 38) of the rides passengers 22, 24,26, 28. For rendering stereoscopic images, the graphics generationsystem 32 may be used in conjunction with stereoscopic projectors 53.The real-world images 44 may include rendered images of, for example,the tracks 18, the facilities 14, and/or other patrons or objects thatthe ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 would see while riding the thrill 12,including the other passengers 22, 24, 26, 28, even if the stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear 34 were not being worn by the ride passengers 22, 24, 26,28. However, as previously discussed with respect to FIG. 2, in certainembodiments, it may be useful to enhance the thrill factor of the thrillride 12 by rendering various AR/VR graphical images 45 to the respectivedisplays 37 and 38 of the respective stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 ofthe ride passengers 22, 24, 26, and 28.

For example, as further depicted in FIG. 3, the graphics generationsystem 32 may render AR/VR graphical images 45 (illustrated via thedashed lines) that may include, for example, an AR/VR image of a secondmall of amusement park facilities 49, an AR/VR image of one or morefictional characters 50, an AR/VR image of a breach 52 of the tracks 18,and/or additional AR/VR image 54, 56, and 58. In one embodiment, asillustrated in FIG. 3, the AR/VR image 50 may include an image of amonster or other similar fictional character appearing (e.g., from thepoint of view of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 while wearing thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34) to be obstructing a portion of the tracks18 as the passenger ride vehicle 20 traverses the tracks 18. It shouldbe appreciated that in addition to AR/VR graphical images 45 (e.g.,virtual augmentations) that include an added image, the graphicsgeneration system 32 may also render certain AR/VR graphical images 45that include a deletion of one or more real-world physical objects thatno longer appear while the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 are wearingthe stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34. For example, the AR/VR image of thefacilities 49 may appear at a place in which the attraction 16 is placedin the real-world environment.

As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the graphics generationsystem 32 may render the AR/VR graphical images 45 based on, forexample, the position or location of the passenger ride vehicle 20 alongthe tracks 18 at any given time during a cycle of the thrill ride 12, apredetermined distance traveled by the passenger ride vehicle 20 duringa cycle of the thrill ride 12, or after a predetermined lapse of time.For example, in one embodiment, once the passenger ride vehicle travelsto a point 60 (e.g., defined by a certain distance 62 or location on thetracks 18), the AR/VR image of the fictional character 50 may appear tothe ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28, via the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34, as obstructing a place on the tracks 18 not yet traversed by thepassenger ride vehicle 20 during a given cycle of the thrill ride 12.Similarly, once the passenger ride vehicle 20 travels to a point 62(e.g., defined by a certain distance 62 or location on the tracks 18),the AR/VR image of the breach 52 of the tracks 18 (e.g., appearance of abroken track) may appear to the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28, via thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34, as though the passenger ride vehicle 20will encounter a place in which there is no supporting tracks 18. Thegraphics generation system 32 may render the AR/VR graphical images 45based on the identity of the individual users of the eyewear 34. Eacheyewear 34 may be associated with an RFID tag or other identificationelement that transmits an identification signal to the graphicsgeneration system 32. The system 32 may select the overlaid image fromamong several options stored in the memory 47 based on the identity ofthe ride passenger (e.g., ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28). In thismanner, each passenger in a ride vehicle 20 may receive customizedcontent that is different from that received by the other passengers inthe ride vehicle 20. For example, in a ride that includes charactercontent, certain passengers wearing particular eyewear 34 may beassociated with particular characters. In such embodiments, the overlaidAR/VR image may be associated with the particular character. The ridepassengers may (e.g., ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28) may haveindividualized interactive content displayed via the eyewear 34 that isbased on previous park experiences, rewards, characters, passenger ageor interests, passenger profile information acquired from a centralserver, etc. In one embodiment, a guest in an interactive arena may seea particular overlaid image displayed only if they successfully performa physical action (e.g., punch a block or open a door).

Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the illumination map generated bythe graphics generation system 32 may allow the graphics generationsystem 32 to include one or more detection and/or trigger points (e.g.,trigger point for which to introduce the AR/VR images 45) at every mileof the tracks 18, every yard of the tracks 18, every foot of the tracks18, every inch of the tracks 18, every centimeter of the tracks 18, orevery millimeter of the tracks 18. In this way, the graphics generationsystem 32 may detect when to begin rendering of the AR/VR graphicalimages 45 based on position or location, distance traveled, and/or timeelapsed during a cycle of the thrill ride 12 with sufficient accuracyand efficiency. Furthermore, certain images 54, 56 illustrate that oneor more of the AR/VR graphical images 45 may appear to the ridepassengers 22, 24, 26, 28 as interacting with each other (e.g.,overlapping or touching). In one embodiment, the images (e.g., images54A and 54B) may be stereoscopic images. Similarly, the AR/VR image 58illustrates an example of AR/VR graphical images 45 that may appearoutside the line of sight or the point of view (e.g., blind spot) of theride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 that may be nevertheless perceived by theride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 should any of them look into thedirection of the AR/VR image 58. It should be noted that completelydifferent images may also be provided to different ride passengers 22,24, 26, 28 such that one or more of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28have partially or completely different ride experiences or even ridethemes.

In certain embodiments, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 2,because the graphics generation system 32 may render the real-worldimages 44 and the AR/VR images 45 to each of the respective displays 37and 38 of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 worn by each of therespective the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, and 28, the ride passengers22, 24, 26, 28 may each perceive the real-world images 44 (e.g.,facilities 14, thrill ride 12, and so forth) and the AR/VR images 45(e.g., AR/VR images or virtual augmentations 49, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58)temporally and spatially commensurate with their respective points ofview, thus creating a photorealistic effect as the passenger ridevehicle 20 traverses the tracks 18. Furthermore, in other embodiments,in addition to the AR/VR images 45 (e.g., AR/VR images or virtualaugmentations 49, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58), the graphics generationsystem 32 may also trigger one or more sound effects, haptic feedbackeffects, scented effects, and so forth that may coincide with theappearances of the AR/VR images 45 on the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.In some embodiments, the graphics generation system 32 is integral withthe stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.

In this way, by providing the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 and thegraphics generation system 32 to create an AR experience, a VRexperience, and/or other computed-mediated reality experience, thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 and the graphics generation system 32 mayenhance the thrill factor of the thrill ride 12, and, by extension, theexperience of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 while on the thrillride 12. Moreover, by providing the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 asAR/VR eyeglasses, as opposed to bulkier and more cumbersome devices suchas traditional head-mounted displays (HMDs), the ride passengers 22, 24,26, 28 may be provided with greater freedom of movement, as well as amore photorealistic experience. For example, each of the ride passengers22, 24, 26, 28 may be able to see each other ride passenger 22, 24, 26,28, as well as the passenger ride vehicle 20 itself even when wearingthe stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34. Moreover, because the stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear 34 may include individual cameras 40, 42 and individualdisplays 37, 38, data with respect to the respective points of view ofeach eye of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28 may be captured by thestereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34. Thus, the graphics generation system 32may render real-world images 44 and AR/VR images 45 on the displays 37,38 of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34 that are consistent with therespective points of view of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28. Suchadvantages may be unavailable using devices such as traditional HMDs. Inother embodiments, the system 32 may use audio watermarking tosynchronize AR content within the ride 12, e.g., to synchronize playedmedia to AR images.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram is presented, illustrating anembodiment of a process 80 useful in creating a stereoscopic experience,an AR experience, a VR experience, and/or other computed-mediatedexperience during a thrill ride using, for example, the computergraphics generation system 32 depicted in FIG. 2. The process 80 may berepresentative of initiated code or instructions stored in anon-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., the memory 47) andexecuted, for example, by the processor 46 included in the computergraphics generation system 32. The process 64 may begin with theprocessor 46 receiving (block 82) position information for a userwearing the eyewear 34. As discussed, the eyewear position may beassessed by RFID tags on each device, by cameras, GPS, etc. Based on theposition, the system 32 may determine that the user wearing the eyewear34 is positioned in the proximity of a desired stereoscopic event (block84). Accordingly, the system 32 may initiate or maintain projection ofstereoscopic images for display and viewing by the user (block 86).

If the user of the eyewear 34 is a passenger on a ride vehicle (see FIG.4) or otherwise moving relative to the environment, the method 80 mayreceive updated position information (block 88) to reflect that the userhas moved to a new location associated with a desired mixed or AR/VReffect (block 90). To generate the AR/VR effect, the method may accesspre-scanned or receive real-time captured image data (block 92). Forexample, the processor 46 may receive real-time video data (e.g., livevideo) captured via cameras 40, 42 of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.The process 64 may then continue with the processor 46 generating avisualization of the real-world environment based on the real-worldimage data. For example, the processor 46 may generate a video datastream of the real-world environment (e.g., the amusement park 10) to bedisplayed on the displays 37, 38 of the stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear 34.

The process 64 may then continue with the processor 46 overlaying (block92) or superimposing one or more augmented or virtual reality imagesonto the generated visualization of the real-world environment. Forexample, the processor 46 may generate a video data stream of thereal-world images 44 (e.g., facilities 14, thrill ride 12), and overlayor superimpose the AR/VR images 45 (e.g., AR/VR images or virtualaugmentations 49, 50, 52, 54, 56, and 58) onto the real-world images 44using one or more video merging and/or optical merging techniques. Aspreviously discussed above, in certain embodiments, for example, theprocessor 46 of the graphics generation system 32 may render the AR/VRgraphical images 45 based on, for example, the position or location ofthe passenger ride vehicle 20 along the tracks 18 at any given timeduring a cycle of the thrill ride 12, a predetermined distance traveledby the passenger ride vehicle 20 during a cycle of the thrill ride 12,or after a predetermined lapse of time. In other embodiments, thegraphics generation system 32 may perform one or more geometric orphotometric recognition algorithms on the video or image data capturedvia the cameras 40, 42 to determine the points of location of the ridevehicle 20 and when to introduce the AR/VR graphical images 45. Theprocess 64 may then conclude with the processor 46 transmitting (block94) the overlaid augmented or virtual reality image data (e.g., AR/VRimages 45) along with the real-world environment data (e.g., real-worldimages 44) to be displayed on the displays 37, 38 of the stereoscopicAR/VR eyewear 34 to enhance the thrill factor of the thrill ride 12,and, by extension, the experience of the ride passengers 22, 24, 26, 28while on the thrill ride 12. The system 32 is configured to permit theeyewear 34 to switch between different viewing modes, e.g., AR/VR,stereoscopic, and real world (e.g., no effects). The switch may be basedon the time or position of the user within the ride 12 and may bemediated by a control signal from the system 32. The system 32 may alsoreceive user input, e.g., via an input button or switch on the eyewear.For example, certain users may be sensitive to stereoscopic imagedisplay. Such users may have the option of turning off the 3Dstereoscopic viewing and the system 32 may provide alternative videodata in the proximity of stereoscopic effects.

Technical effects of the present embodiments relate to systems andmethods of providing an augmented reality (AR) experience, a virtualreality (VR) experience, a mixed reality (e.g., a combination of AR andVR) experience, or a combination thereof, as part of a thrill ride in anamusement park or theme park. In certain embodiments, each ridepassenger may be provided with eyewear (e.g., stereoscopic AR/VR eyewear34 that is configured to be used as AR/VR eyewear) to be worn during acycle of the thrill ride. In on embodiment, the eyewear is both AR/VRcapable as well as being capable of facilitating the viewing ofprojected stereoscopic images. To facilitate an AR/VR or mixed realityexperience, the eyewear may be configured to display virtual imagesoverlaid over a real-world representation. To that end, the eyewear mayinclude at least two cameras, which may respectively correspond to therespective points of view of the ride passengers, and may be used tocapture real-time video data (e.g., live video) of the real-worldenvironment (e.g., the physical amusement park) of the ride passengersand/or the thrill ride. The eyewear may also include at least twodisplays respectively corresponding to each eye of the ride passengers.In certain embodiments, a computer graphics generation system may alsobe provided. The computer graphics generation system may render a videostream of the real-world environment along with various AR/VR graphicalimages to the respective displays of the respective stereoscopic eyewearof the ride passengers during a cycle of the thrill ride. For example,in one embodiment, the graphics generation system 32 may render theAR/VR graphical images to the eyewear based on, for example, theposition or location of the passenger ride vehicle along the tracks atany given time during a cycle of the thrill ride, a predetermineddistance traveled by the passenger ride vehicle during a cycle of thethrill ride, or after a predetermined lapse of time. In this way, byusing the eyewear and the graphics generation system to create an ARexperience, a VR experience, and/or mixed reality experience, theeyewear and the computer graphics generation system may enhance thethrill factor of the thrill ride, and, by extension, may enhance theexperience of the ride passengers as they ride the thrill ride.

While only certain features of the present embodiments have beenillustrated and described herein, many modifications and changes willoccur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understoodthat the appended claims are intended to cover all such modificationsand changes as fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.Further, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosedembodiments may be combined or exchanged with one another.

1. A ride system, comprising: eyewear configured to be worn by a user,wherein the eyewear comprises a display having a stereoscopic featureconfigured to permit viewing of externally generated stereoscopicallydisplayed images; and a computer graphics generation systemcommunicatively coupled to the eyewear, and configured to: generatestreaming media of a real world environment based on image data of thereal-world environment; generate one or more virtual augmentationssuperimposed on the streaming media of the real world environment;transmit the streaming media of the real world environment along withthe one or more superimposed virtual augmentations to be displayed onthe display of the eyewear; and project stereoscopic images into thereal world environment.
 2. The ride system of claim 1, wherein thedisplay of the eyewear comprises a first display and a second display,and wherein the first display is configured to display the streamingmedia to a first eye of the user and the second display is configured todisplay the streaming media to a second eye of the user.
 3. The ridesystem of claim 2, wherein each of the first display and the seconddisplay comprises a light field display, a liquid crystal display (LCD),or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display.
 4. The ride system ofclaim 2, comprising a first polarized filter on or in the first displayoriented differently than a second polarized filter on or in the seconddisplay.
 5. The ride system of claim 2, comprising a first color filteron or in the first display configured to filter light of a differentwavelength than a second color filter on or in the second display. 6.The ride system of claim 1, wherein the eyewear comprises one or morecameras configured to obtain the image data of the real worldenvironment.
 7. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the user is apassenger in a ride vehicle and wherein the computer graphics generationsystem is configured to generate the one or more virtual augmentationswhen the ride vehicle travels to a predetermined location, travels apredetermined distance, after a predetermined lapse of time, or anycombination thereof, during a ride cycle.
 8. The ride system of claim 7,comprising a rollercoaster including a track, and wherein the computergraphics generation system is configured to generate the one or morevirtual augmentations when the ride vehicle travels to the predeterminedlocation along the track, travels the predetermined distance along thetrack, after the predetermined lapse of time, or any combinationthereof.
 9. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the computer graphicsgeneration system is configured to generate the streaming media of thereal world environment based on an orientation of the eyewear, aposition of the user, a point of view of the user, profile informationof the user, a character associated with the user, or a combinationthereof.
 10. The ride system of claim 9, comprising a positioning sensorwithin the eyewear for detecting the orientation of the eyewear.
 11. Theride system of claim 9, comprising a monitoring system configured tomonitor physical attributes of the eyewear to determine the orientationof the eyewear.
 12. The ride system of claim 9, comprising a sensorconfigured to detect the position of the user within the ride system,wherein the ride system comprises a ride vehicle or an arena.
 13. Theride system of claim 1, comprising a second eyewear configured to beworn by a second user, wherein the second eyewear comprises a displayhaving a stereoscopic feature configured to permit viewing of theexternally generated stereoscopically displayed images.
 14. The ridesystem of claim 1, wherein the computer graphics generation system isconfigured to stop generating the streaming media of the real worldenvironment based on an orientation of the eyewear, a position of theuser, a point of view of the user, or a combination thereof and to startoperating in a mode that permits viewing of stereoscopic images throughthe display.
 15. The ride system of claim 1, wherein the computergraphics generation system is configured to: receive an indication of alighting, a contrast, a brightness, or a combination thereof, associatedwith the real world environment; and generate the streaming media of thereal world environment and the one or more superimposed virtualaugmentations adjusted to reflect the lighting, the contrast, thebrightness, or the combination thereof, of the real world environment.16. A wearable electronic device, comprising: a frame comprising a framefront; a left eye display lens and a right eye display lens coupled tothe frame front; a first filter on the left eye display lens; a secondfilter on the right eye display lens, wherein the first filter isdifferent than the second filter; and processing circuitry configuredto: receive a signal from the computer graphics generation system,wherein the signal comprises a video stream of a virtualization of areal world environment along with at least one augmented reality (AR)image or at least one virtual reality (VR) image included in the videostream; and cause the left eye display and the right eye display todisplay the video stream.
 17. The wearable electronic device of claim16, comprising a camera coupled to the frame front and configured tocapture image data of the real world environment in real time.
 18. Thewearable electronic device of claim 16, wherein the processing circuitryis configured to transmit the video stream to the left eye display andthe right eye display to cause a stereoscopic video display includingthe augmented reality (AR) image.
 19. The wearable electronic device ofclaim 16, comprising an orientation sensor, a position sensor, anaccelerometer, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, or any combination thereof.20. The wearable electronic device of claim 16, wherein image data ofthe real world environment is generated by a camera positioned in thereal world environment or is historical image data.
 21. A method,comprising: receiving or accessing environmental image data via acomputer graphics generation system, generating a virtualization of areal world environment of the amusement park based on the environmentalimage data; overlaying an augmented reality (AR) image or a virtualreality (VR) image onto the virtualization of the real worldenvironment; transmitting the overlaid AR image or the VR image alongwith the virtualization of the real world environment to the eyewearduring the cycle of the amusement park ride; transmitting a signal tothe eyewear to permit viewing through displays of the eyewear;projecting stereoscopic images onto a surface of the real-worldenvironment after transmitting the signal; and causing the stereoscopicimages to be reflected through filters in the eyewear into a left andright eye of a user to generate an illusion of a 3D image.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, comprising receiving data associated with a positionof a ride passenger of the amusement park ride, an orientation of theride passenger, a point of view of the ride passenger, or a combinationthereof.
 23. The method of claim 21, receiving an identification signalassociated with the eyewear and wherein the overlaid AR image or the VRimage is selected based on the identification signal.
 24. The method ofclaim 21, receiving a second identification signal associated withsecond eyewear and transmitting a second overlaid AR image or the VRimage along with the virtualization of the real world environment to theeyewear during the cycle of the amusement park ride, wherein the secondoverlaid AR image or the VR image is selected based on the secondidentification signal.
 25. The method of claim 21, receiving oraccessing environmental image data comprises receiving real-time imagedata from a camera coupled to the eyewear.